Noninvasive Breast Cancer

If you are diagnosed with a noninvasive breast cancer, it means that your disease is confined to the milk ducts, where it started. 

A noninvasive cancer has not spread to anywhere else in the breast or to other parts of the body.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

This is the most common form of noninvasive breast cancer. “Ductal” refers to the milk ducts in the breast, and “in situ” means “in its original place.” 

DCIS is a stage 0 cancer, which is the earliest and generally the most treatable form of breast cancer. Although DCIS is noninvasive when it’s diagnosed, over time it can become invasive. This means that, for some women, the cancer may spread from its original site. That’s why treatment for DCIS is usually recommended. 

Treatment could include a lumpectomy, which is surgery that removes the cancer tumor while sparing the breast. Radiation may follow surgery, or hormone therapy may be recommended depending on your individual circumstances.